I am a USA passport holder and my 2nd year ED Phuket extension ends April 3rd. I want to get a tourist visa and so it seems that Laos is the choice. From what I read it should be no problem in Savannakhet. However, I do like Vientiane but I read that the ED visa needs to be cancelled before you can exit at Nong Khai.

If I cancel the ED visa in Phuket, which will not be easy as the office there is SO busy and I am not even sure they will do it. It is not possible to get to Nong Khai the same day, I assume I will then be on minimum one day Overstay, maybe even 2 or 3 days by the time I get to the border. Would it them be easier,safer and better to go to Nong Khai Immigration for the cancellation?

You can get a letter with the exact dates from the school and cancel/leave at Nong Kai the day extension expires.

Or cancel in Phuket and get a 7-days extension for Bt 1,900.

Or leave by air to Vientane

Or leave by land to Penang to get a single entry to begin with.

Thanks, I guess that leaves me with the default Penang as the most cost effective - once again- but I appreciate your concise list of options.